Introducing The Collaborative Network: A Movement to Uplift Small Business Manufacturers

Introducing The Collaborative Network: A Movement to Uplift Small Business Manufacturers

Episode 157 of The Trend Report podcast was unlike any other. Host Sid Meadows passed the mic to industry veteran and futurist Rex Miller, who stepped in to lead a powerful conversation with the four founding members of The Collaborative Network: Sid himself, Michelle Warren, Julie Dillon, and Erin Torres.

Together, they shared the story behind this new initiative, the challenges it seeks to solve, and how they plan to create meaningful change for small business manufacturers in the office furniture and contract interiors industry.

A Shared Vision Rooted in Real-World Experience

Each founder brings decades of experience in the industry, across various sectors—dealerships, manufacturing, consulting, marketing, public sector, and sales strategy. What unites them is a shared mission: to support small business manufacturers who are often overlooked, under-resourced, and undervalued.

Michelle Warren, who originally sparked the idea, recounted how the concept was born out of conversations with frustrated small manufacturers who felt overwhelmed by the high cost of consulting services, technology, and growth tools available only to much larger companies.

“It started with a conversation about creating an incubator,” Michelle explained. “A place where small manufacturers could get what they need, without spending tens of thousands of dollars just to figure out what to do next.”

That idea resonated with Sid immediately. “I was jealous. I didn’t think of it first,” he joked during the episode. “But the truth is, when you see an obvious need—and have the experience and team to do something about it—you act.”

Identifying the Gaps and Crafting the Solution

After months of market research, interviews, and feedback from industry peers, the team uncovered five key challenges that small business manufacturers face:

1. Market Access & Distribution:  Getting products in front of dealers and specifiers is a constant uphill battle without a structured rep network or brand recognition.

2. Sales Strategy & Independent Rep Management:  Many small brands lack a structured, scalable sales strategy and struggle to manage, train, or even find effective rep partners.

3. Technology & AI Adoption:  A flood of new tools and platforms creates decision fatigue, especially when every solution comes with a hefty price tag.

4. Strategic Planning & Sustainable Growth:  Many founders are so busy running the business that they don’t have time to work on the business.

5. Community & Connection:  Perhaps most surprisingly, many leaders voiced a desire to connect with others who truly understand their challenges.

These findings became the foundation for The Collaborative Network’s three flagship offerings:

• The CEO Peer Group:  A structured, year-long experience for business owners and executives to collaborate, problem-solve, and learn from each other in a confidential, growth-minded setting.

• The Emerging Business Incubator:  A 12-month development program tailored for newer manufacturers, providing a strategic playbook for long-term success.

• The Sales Leader Peer Group:  A quarterly gathering of sales directors and VPs from small brands who want to strengthen their leadership and share ideas.

A Dream Team of Industry Experts

Each founding member brings unique expertise to the table:

• Erin Torres, a brand and marketing strategist, helps manufacturers define and communicate their identity beyond just product specs. “I help them build emotional connections with the people they want to reach,” she said. “You have to talk about the problem your product solves, not just the product itself.”

• Julie Dillon specializes in independent rep development. Her passion is clear: “Most manufacturers don’t give reps the tools or attention they need to succeed. With the right communication and structure, independent reps can be your most powerful sales force.”

• Michelle Warren brings deep knowledge of the public sector, helping brands navigate GSA and SLED contracts. But she’s also the one who sees the gaps—and fills them. “The goal is to give small manufacturers an unfair advantage over the majors,” she said. “To give them access to the kind of expertise they’d never be able to afford on their own.”

• Sid Meadows provides business strategy, leadership support, and coaching. With over 30 years of experience, his vision is clear: “I want to walk into a showroom at NeoCon and be introduced as their partner in growth. That’s the impact we’re aiming for.”

Looking Ahead: The Vision for Year One and Beyond

The Collaborative Network is just getting started. Their pilot programs kick off in mid-2025, and the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Long term,” Erin shared, “I can see us expanding into other types of peer groups, especially for marketers. We’re open to what our members need. If they ask for it, we’ll create it.”

Michelle echoed that sentiment: “This is already more than we imagined. But that’s a good thing. If we keep listening and evolving, the possibilities are endless.”

Julie added, “In five years, I want our partner brands to have best-in-class sales strategies, marketing programs, and leadership. I want them to grow in a way that reflects their potential.”

And Sid summed it up powerfully: “There are over 3,000 small office furniture manufacturers in North America. But only 20 dominate the industry. That’s not right. We want to change that.”

Join the Movement

If you're a small business manufacturer looking for guidance, support, and a real community, now is the time to take action. The Collaborative Network exists to help you grow with clarity, confidence, and collaboration.

📍 Meet the team at NeoCon 2025
🌐 Visit: thecollaborative.network
🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn: The Collaborative Network
🎧 Listen to Episode 157: The Trend Report Podcast